Twice-martyred Sebastian, one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, is one of the best known and most beloved saints of the Church. Patron of the Holy Death, and with a reputation for healing from the arrows of plague and sickness, especially those contagions that come on swiftly, both Right-Handed and Left-Handed veneration is possible with this Saint.
A soldier during the reign of Diocletian, Sebastian converted many to the Faith during a time when Christianity was greatly persecuted, earning him the wrath and special attention of the Emperor. Under Diocletian’s orders, he was tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. Through the help of his friend, Saint Irene, he was healed and confronted Emperor Diocletian again, this time to his face. The Emperor had him beaten with clubs, and his body thrown into the sewers. Later, tradition says his body was found and buried with other Christian martyrs.
Because of his tremendous faith, Saint Sebastian intercedes on our behalf, offering swift healing to those who pray to him. Just as his body was pierced with arrows and did not succumb to death, the RIGHT HAND OF SAINT SEBASTIAN is an oil that tradition holds will restore physical health, and grant endurance in times of tribulation when our enemies are casting arrows in our direction. Those with particular devotion to Saint Sebastian may choose to use it in diluted form to wash objects on his shrine or to anoint candles in his honor.
The LEFT HAND OF SAINT SEBASTIAN is the mirror of the RIGHT, a custom of Iberian folk Catholicism, used to inhibit healing, to cause sickness directly, and to let loose the arrows of tongue. It is a reflex of the Right, and caution should be taken to keep the Right Hand as an antidote against the treachery of the Left, lest we fall victim to the same poison we wield.
Do not let the right hand know what the left hand is doing.
- an appropriation and re-reading of Matthew 6:3
The oils are made on his Feast proper and the subsequent days and nights following, harnessing the twin powers of proper timing and proper devotion, for a novena must be offered for the successful completion of the sacramentals. They must always have a base of frankincense and bay laurel, and be made from quality olive oil. Additional materia are added during the novena period after his Feast Day, being doubly sanctified by the intercession of Saint Irene on her Feast Day, Sebastian’s healer and companion.
All vegetal, mineral and animal ingredients are legally obtained. Instructions and information will be provided on a cloth scroll for each oil.
Price is for one half ounce bottle of Saint Sebastian Oil in the Right Hand, or both offered together as a set of two half ounce bottles for a combined price. The Left Hand can only be purchased in tandem with the Right Hand. If you are interested in greater amounts, please contact us.
All text and images ©2013-2020 by WOLF & GOAT